Europe remains incredibly popular as a backpacking destination as there is so much on offer and so much to see. There are some of the world’s most exciting cities, most beautiful scenery and incredible cultures and histories at every turn. You probably won’t be able to visit them all but they’ll definitely give you some food for thought when you’re planning your backpacking holiday. It’s incredibly hard to pick a definitive top ten destinations for a backpacking break in Europe so we’ve instead picked ten of our favourites.

10. The Baths in Budapest
Budapest is one of the most exciting cities in Europe but the thermal baths have to be one of the highlights. Built over 500 years ago the baths offer you beautiful warm waters in an incredible location; perfect for recovering from a night spent on the islands partying.

9. The Alps
The Alps are absolutely stunning whatever time of year it happens to be and you simply can’t get a more impressive landscape in Europe. Taking the Mont Blanc express from Chamonix to Zermatt in Switzerland is an absolute must and gives you views of beautiful mountains, forest, snowy landscapes and waterfalls.

8. The Reichstag
Germany’s most important building the Reichstag is an architectural splendour like few others anywhere in the world. The exterior may be incredible but it is the interior that will really blow you away with its incredible décor and amazing domed ceiling. Berlin is incredible as a city but this remains the highlight.

7. Tallinn
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and boats some of the world’s most incredible architecture. The fairy tale castles are undoubtedly the highlight and this is an incredible destination just to wander the city streets and lose yourself in a very strange atmosphere and ambience. It’s also fast becoming a hedonistic capital of Europe with incredible parties and clubs on offer.

6. The Acropolis
Standing over Athens the Acropolis is one of the most important sights in Greek history and remains one of the best things to see on a trip to Europe. The Parthenon is the highlight but the whole area is alive with incredible remains of one of the world’s most important historical civilisations.

5. The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal in Venice is one of the most impressive sights in Europe as it really is the centre of everything that makes Venice what it is; an island city with incredible architecture and an atmosphere like no other. The Grand Canal really is one of the most romantic and exciting sights in Venice and well worth your time to explore – though you might want to skip the somewhat expensive Gondolas.

4. The Sagrada Familia
Barcelona and one of the world’s most famous churches the Sagrada Familia is perhaps the world’s longest work in progress. It was started in 1882 and still hasn’t been completed. Yet it remains one of the most beautiful and interesting Roman Catholic churches in the world.

3. Prague Castle
Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and Prague castle is the highlight. This complex includes a beautiful church, impressive fortifications and some truly beautiful views. Prague castle is the highlight of any visit and really is one of the most interesting historical castles in Europe.

2. The Sistine Chapel
While the Coliseum in Rome is fantastic it palls into insignificance compared to the beauty of the Sistine Chapel. While Michelangelo’s work dominates the ceiling the whole chapel is incredibly beautiful with works by Botticelli, Perugino and Pinturicchio sprawled along the most incredible walls and ceiling the world has ever seen.

1. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is probably the most famous monument in Europe and it remains one of the best experiences for any visit to Europe. Set in beautiful gardens this towering iron monument stands as an incredible monument to French culture and history. It also provides access to some of the best views of Paris possible so you should definitely head to the very top!

Home to the first ever Winter Olympics (1924), the charming French town of Chamonix sees tens of thousands of snow sports enthusiasts descend upon it every year. The great thing about Chamonix is that it is not a purpose built, characterless resort, like so many other skiing destinations. It is an authentic town with its own personality and its own history. The streets are lined with old buildings, the vibrant markets are crammed full of local delicacies, such as reblochon cheese, and in some places colourful frescos adorn the walls. Chamonix bars and Chamonix clubs are full of atmosphere and good cheer, and the town’s cosy restaurants offer a wonderful choice of cuisine. Combine all this with incredible surrounding slopes, and you’re left with a very attractive prospect for a winter getaway.

And then there’s Mont Blanc. Known to locals as ‘La Dame Blanche’, which translates into ‘The White Lady’, the highest mountain in the Alps soars to an incredible 4,260 metres. It is as synonymous with Chamonix as the Eiffel Tower is with Paris, and like the Eiffel Tower, simply cannot be ignored. While some people are happy to snap pictures of its snowy peaks from the safety of their hotel rooms, others simply cannot resist the challenge it presents, and follow in the footsteps of Jacques Balmat, who in 1786 became the person ever to scale the mountain.

People who take on the white temptress do not do so without serious caution. She rivals Mount Everest in the deadly stakes, claiming dozens of lives each year. If you feel up to the challenge, it is absolutely essential to be fully prepared and to have high levels of fitness – this is no walk in the park. If you’re not a highly experienced mountaineer, it would be sensible have some guidance on the climb.

Chamonix Guiding is an excellent, well established company that, among many other things, will help you realise the ultimate goal: summiting Mont Blanc. Run by Sébastien, a bi-lingual guide who has worked in the area for over 10 years, the company offers tailor-made experiences that are suited to customers’ individual needs. On top of that, your journey can be filmed, so you have absolute proof of what you did when those skeptical friends back home show raised eyebrows.
Another good company is Climb EX, run by Andy Perkins – a highly experienced mountain guide based in Chamonix.

However you decide to spend your time – climbing, skiing, sightseeing, partying… – in this incredible place, chances are you’ll be exhausted at the end of each day, so making sure you have a good hotel is crucial. Find accommodation in Chamonix here, and all other things Chamonix related.

itravelnet.com – Travel Directory and Blog

Travel blog:
Travel articles and press releases from travel writers and news outlets.Travel Directory:
The best travel sites sorted into relevant categories.Travel Guide:
An index of travel guides for every country in the world.